Christian Horner has been relieved of his duties as Red Bull’s Formula One team principal this morning.
The Red Bull chief had led the team since its inception in 2005, guiding them to six constructors’ titles and eight drivers’ championships. However, just one year after a personal scandal involving alleged “inappropriate behaviour” with a female colleague – an accusation Horner was cleared of twice – the 51-year-old lost his job on Wednesday morning.
Horner, who is married to Spice Girl pop star Geri Halliwell, has been replaced by Laurent Mekies as CEO of Red Bull Racing. Mekies was previously the team principal at sister team Racing Bulls. Red Bull CEO of Corporate Projects and Investments, Oliver Mintzlaff, said in a statement: “We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years. With his tireless commitment, experience, expertise and innovative thinking, he has been instrumental in establishing Red Bull Racing as one of the most successful and attractive teams in Formula 1. Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history.”
Red Bull endured a race to forget at the British Grand Prix on Sunday, and the team are now a distant fourth in the constructors’ standings, but this announcement still comes as a shock to the team at Milton Keynes and the whole F1 paddock. Horner was the longest-serving team boss in F1 and guided Red Bull to 124 grand prix victories during his time in charge.
Max Verstappen, who won all four of his world titles under Horner at Red Bull, posted on Instagram: “From my first race win, to four world championships, we have shared incredible successes. Winning memorable races and breaking countless records. Thank you for everything, Christian!”
Follow all the latest updates on this breaking news story below:
Christian Horner sacked by Red Bull - latest updates
- BREAKING: Christian Horner sacked by Red Bull F1 team
- TIMELINE: How Horner’s personal scandal played out in 2024
- STATEMENT: Read Red Bull’s statement announcing Horner exit
- Max Verstappen posts first message since Christian Horner sacking
- Verstappen’s manager reacts to Christian Horner’s Red Bull F1 sacking
As Christian Horner is sacked, what next for Geri who went from Ginger Spice to the ultimate ‘surrendered wife’
17:00 , Will CastleShe was the girl who sewed a Union Jack tea towel onto a black micro-mini dress, creating an image that would remain lodged in the national consciousness forever – Geri Halliwell, the Spice Girl with her knickers on display and blonde streaks in her flame-red hair. She was cheeky, fun, supremely confident: the embodiment of 1990s Girl Power. Men were nice, they declared, but women didn’t need them to make their dreams come true.
But that was almost thirty years ago. Now, Halliwell-Horner, aged 52, cuts a very different figure as the wife of Christian Horner. The former Red Bull F1 boss was this week sacked from his prestigious role, months after facing the since-cleared allegations of harassment by a female employee. The claims emerged as a slew of text messages, many of a sexual nature, allegedly sent between Horner and the employee, were leaked last year.
At the time Horner immediately denied the “inappropriate behaviour” allegation made against him and maintained that it was “absolutely business as normal” for the team. Geri, meanwhile, made a somewhat excruciating public display of her support at the Bahrain Grand Prix shortly after the scandal broke. For her fans, it appeared that she had undergone a transformation so radical that she was barely recognisable; no longer fiery Ginger Spice, but the “surrendered wife”.
Polly Dunbar reports:
How Girl Power Geri turned into Christian Horner’s ‘surrendered wife’
Inside the power struggle at heart of Christian Horner exit – and what it means for Max Verstappen’s F1 future
16:45 , Will CastleFor a team very much accustomed to shock announcements, this was the bombshell to end all bombshells from Red Bull. After giving an emotional farewell to stunned staff at the team’s HQ at around 10am, Christian Horner drove away from the Milton Keynes campus – the site he built from the bottom-up – for the last time on Wednesday morning.
Horner’s exit after two decades as Red Bull Racing’s team principal, and later F1 CEO, would not have been earth-shattering at the start of last season. Division in the sport’s top outfit, in the wake of allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” levelled at Horner from a female colleague, was well documented.
Yet the embattled team boss was cleared, twice, and he was at the forefront as his star driver Max Verstappen won a fourth consecutive world championship. On the face of it, it seemed Horner had weaved his way through the storm and come out the other side, perhaps stronger than ever.
But for this news to come now, halfway through the 2025 season, has come as a shock to the whole paddock. The sport’s longest-serving team boss, who never missed a race in two decades, will not be present in the paddock in Belgium later this month for the first time since the 2004 Brazilian Grand Prix, at least in an official capacity.
Kieran Jackson analyses Christian Horner’s exit:
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Inside the power struggle at the heart of Christian Horner’s Red Bull exit
Christian Horner's shock exit 'not completely out of the blue'
16:30 , Jamie BraidwoodReuters have reported there was no immediate comment from Christian Horner, whose contract at Red Bull had been due to run until 2030.
Sky Sports commentator Martin Brundle said Horner told him "no reason was given" for being replaced.
"It is not completely out of the blue, given the problems in the team," said Brundle. "I believe it's performance-related as well. It perhaps makes it more likely that Verstappen will stay there -- I think that became quite personal."
Red Bull's statement after firing Christian Horner
16:15 , Jamie BraidwoodRed Bull CEO of Corporate Projects and Investments, Oliver Mintzlaff, said in a statement: "We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years.
“With his tireless commitment, experience, expertise and innovative thinking, he has been instrumental in establishing Red Bull Racing as one of the most successful and attractive teams in Formula 1.
“Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history."
Max Verstappen posts first message since Christian Horner sacking
16:06 , Jamie BraidwoodMax Verstappen has thanked Christian Horner in the world champion’s first public message since the Red Bull boss was sacked earlier this morning.
Verstappen was given his first drive by Horner as a teenager and he has won four F1 titles while working under him at Red Bull.
He posted on Instagram: “From my first race win, to four world championships, we have shared incredible successes. Winning memorable races and breaking countless records. Thank you for everything, Christian!”
Will Max Verstappen be the next to leave Red Bull?
16:00 , Jamie BraidwoodMax Verstappen’s manager Raymond Vermeulen insisted on Wednesday that his driver is committed to the team. The 27-year-old has not driven outside the Red Bull family since his F1 debut for sister team Toro Rosso in 2015.
Verstappen has repeatedly reiterated his short-term commitment to Red Bull, but Mercedes boss Toto Wolff made it known recently that he is keeping an eye on the prospect of signing the Dutchman.
Verstappen’s arch rival, George Russell, only has a contract in place at Mercedes until the end of the season.
Christian Horner allegations timeline: How sacked Red Bull F1 boss became embroiled in scandal
15:45 , Kieran JacksonChristian Horner has been sensationally sacked as Red Bull F1 boss this morning.
The 51-year-old has been in charge of the team since its inception in Formula One in 2005, leading them to six constructors’ titles and eight drivers’ crowns.
But just one year on from the personal scandal involving alleged “inappropriate behaviour” with a female colleague – an accusation he was cleared of twice – Horner has on Wednesday morning lost his job.
Horner, who is married to Spice Girl pop star Geri Halliwell, has been replaced as CEO of Red Bull Racing by Laurent Mekies, formerly the team principal at sister team Racing Bulls.
Here is a timeline of how the allegations last year played out.
Horner allegations timeline: How sacked Red Bull F1 boss became embroiled in scandal
What is Max Verstappen's reported exit clause?
15:30 , Jamie BraidwoodIt has been reported that Max Verstappen will be allowed to leave Red Bull if he is lower than fourth in the drivers’ championship by the F1 summer break, following the next two races in Belgium and Hungary.
Verstappen is currently third in the standings, 46 points ahead of Charles Leclerc in fifth, but 69 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri. The four-time reigning world champion has finished 4th, 10th, 2nd, RET, and 5th in his last five races.
Toto Wolff now the longest-serving F1 boss
15:15 , Jamie BraidwoodAfter Christian Horner was sacked following 20 years at Red Bull, Toto Wolff is now the longest-serving F1 team principal.
Wolff helped to oversee seven consecutive drivers’ championships with Mercedes between 2014 and 2022, until that streak was ended by Red Bull in 2021.
Of course, Wolff and Horner’s rivalry encapsulated the tensions between Mercedes and Red Bull during the dramatic 2021 season, which saw Max Verstappen beat Lewis Hamilton to the title.
Max Verstappen’s F1 future predicted by Martin Brundle
15:00 , Kieran JacksonMartin Brundle believes Max Verstappen is likely to stay at Red Bull next season following the news that Christian Horner has been relieved of his duties as the team’s F1 CEO.
“I can only surmise it means it’s more likely he stays at this moment,” Brundle told Sky Sports News.
“It remains to be seen. Every point Max has through his own genius driving is in a Red Bull car. They’re debuting their own engine [with Ford] for the first time next year. which is going to be the biggest change in Formula 1 history.
“We know that Max has an exit clause based on where he is in the world championship at the end of this month.”
When is the next grand prix?
14:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleRed Bull will, at least, have the benefit of a bit of a time to digest this decision and reload, with the F1 season at a temporary pause that ends with the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa on the weekend of Sunday 27 July.
Who is Laurent Mekies? Red Bull’s new F1 team principal replacing Christian Horner after shock exit
14:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleSo it will be Laurent Mekies stepping into the hot seat at Red Bull, an experienced Formula 1 figure noted for a being a calm character - and he’ll have to be given the scrutiny and noise that seems set to engulf the team for the foreseeable future.
Who is Mekies? Red Bull’s new principal replacing Horner after shock exit
Christian Horner's impact at Red Bull
13:57 , Jamie BraidwoodChristian Horner, a former driver whose racing career stalled one level below F1, was the youngest team boss in F1, at 32, when he took charge of Red Bull in 2005 after its parent drinks company bought what had been Jaguar.
He's the only leader the team has had since - leading them to six constructors’ titles and eight drivers’ crowns, as well as each one of their 124 grand prix victories.
Horner's departure comes in the middle of the team's efforts to prepare for one of the biggest rule changes in F1 in decades next season. Red Bull will make its own engines in partnership with Ford, a project led by Horner.
Christian Horner 'lost the power struggle' at Red Bull
13:43 , Jamie BraidwoodWhile Christian Horner has overseen a period of dominance in recent years, the exit of senior figures such as star designer Adrian Newey, sporting director Jonathan Wheatley and engineer Rob Marshall have not helped his precarious position at Red Bull.
Verstappen’s father, Jos, has also been in conflict with Horner, particularly in the wake of the “inappropriate behaviour” scandal at the start of last year. Jos stated that he believed the team would “explode” if Horner remained in charge.
Sky Sports F1 reporter Craig Slater said: “I think this is the ultimate end of the power struggle which has been apparent in that team in the last couple of years and ultimately it’s a power struggle which Christian Horner has lost."
Max Verstappen involved in meetings over Christian Horner's future
13:27 , Jamie BraidwoodMax Verstappen was in at least one of the meetings that determined Christian Horner’s exit from Red Bull, according to ESPN.
Discussions were reportedly held over the team’s home race at the Austrian Grand Prix and at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
Senior figures within Red Bull wanted a change in leadership, while Verstappen’s future was also a subject of interest given his links to Mercedes.
Christian Horner exit adds to growing uncertainty at Red Bull
13:12 , Jamie BraidwoodChristian Horner spent much of last weekend’s British Grand Prix responding to questions over Max Verstappen's future at Red Bull after the reigning world champion declined to commit to stay with the team next season.
Horner is the latest in a series of high-profile executives to leave the team over the last year and a half. Adrian Newey, the design genius behind Red Bull’s success, left the team to join Aston Martin and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley departed for Sauber ahead of their changer to Audi next season.
Will Courtenay, the head of strategy, has also resigned and is to join McLaren as sporting director.
In 2022, there was the death of Dietrich Mateschitz, the billionaire co-founder of Red Bull who created the F1 project.
And there has also been the carousel around the No 2 seat. Sergio Perez was dropped at the end of last season. Liam Lawson was a failed replacement before was replaced by Yuki Tsunoda, who hasn't scored a point in five races.
Max Verstappen reaffirms commitment to Red Bull
12:57 , Jamie BraidwoodMax Verstappen has reaffirmed his commitment to Red Bull in the wake of Christian Horner’s exit, according to the world champion’s agent Raymond Vermeulen.
“We have a contract with Red Bull and are committed, as we have been for eleven years. We now mainly want the performance to return,” Vermeulen said, according to Formule1.NL.
“Max wants to get the best out of the material he has at his disposal, but we also realise that the championship is no longer possible.”
What next for Christian Horner?
12:43 , Jamie BraidwoodAt last month’s Spanish Grand Prix, Christian Horner dismissed reports that he had been approached by Ferrari chairman John Elkann about replacing the under-fire Fred Vasseur.
The report came from the German publication Bild, but Horner confirmed he was “100 per cent” committed to Red Bull. However, the picture has now completely changed in just a few weeks.
"Of course it's always flattering to be associated with other teams but my commitment 100 percent is with Red Bull," Horner said at the time. "It always has been and certainly will be for the long-term.
"There's a bunch of speculation always in this business. People coming here, going there or whatever. I think people within the team know exactly what the situation is."
Who will replace Horner?
12:28 , Flo CliffordHorner has been replaced as CEO of Red Bull Racing by Laurent Mekies, formerly the team principal at sister team Racing Bulls.
The 48-year-old joined Racing Bulls at the start of last season, having previously been racing director for Ferrari.
Mekies takes over from the next race, the Belgian Grand Prix (25-27 July), round 13 of the 2025 season.
Racing Bulls racing director Alan Permane replaces Mekies as team principal.
Watch: Christian Horner booed by F1 fans during car launch
12:21 , Flo CliffordChristian Horner was booed by fans during the F1 75 Live event at London's O2 Arena on Tuesday, 18 February.
As Red Bull unveiled their 2025 car livery, the CEO and team principal walked on stage to introduce their 2025 challenger, the RB21.
Horner told the crowd: "Is that, well... It's fantastic to be here in the O2 anyway so I hope you're all having a good evening."
The 51-year-old was sacked as Red Bull F1 boss on Wednesday, 9 July, having led them to six constructors’ titles and eight drivers’ crowns. He was replaced by Laurent Mekies.
Watch: Christian Horner booed by F1 75 Live fans during London car launch
Where next for Red Bull?
12:14 , Flo CliffordHorner’s exit comes at a time of uncertainty and reported infighting at the racing giant, with several high-profile departures in recent months and Verstappen being courted by Mercedes.
Designer Adrian Newey resigned last year in the wake of the scandal around Horner, moving to Aston Martin, while sporting director Jonathan Wheatley has also made his exit to become team principal at Sauber.
Horner clear on Verstappen future
12:07 , Flo CliffordVerstappen has a deal with Red Bull which runs until 2028, although a performance clause could activate an early release.
However, Horner said ahead of Silverstone that the Dutchman intends to spend his entire career with Bull: “Max has a contract until 2028, and he has made it quite clear that he would like to finish his career in a Red Bull car, from start to finish. That is something which is unique and special to him.
“Max has been with Red Bull since the start of his career, his success has come with Red Bull, he is a big part of our team and he has a great deal of faith in the team and the people around him.
“So, while there is always speculation and noise we all sit fairly comfortably with where we are at, and what the situation is.
“In any driver’s contract there are performance clauses, and that exists for Max, too, but his intention is that he will be driving for us in 2026. The most important thing is the clarity that exists between Max and the team and that is very clear.”
Martin Brundle believes Horner exit makes Verstappen more likely to stay
12:00 , Flo CliffordHowever, Brundle does believe that the sacking makes Max Verstappen more likely to stay at Red Bull for next season. The four-time world champion has been heavily linked with a move to Mercedes in recent weeks, with Verstappen’s father, Jos, known to want Horner to leave his job for at least a year.
“It remains to be seen, every point Max has through his own genius driving is in a Red Bull car,” Brundle said.
“They’re debuting their own engine for the first time next year, which is going to be the biggest change in Formula 1 history. We know that Max has an exit clause based on where he is in the world championship at the end of this month.
“I can only surmise it means it’s more likely he stays at this moment.”
Uncertainty over Max Verstappen's future
11:47 , Flo CliffordFurther uncertainty has dogged Red Bull this season over rumours that their star driver Max Verstappen may move to Mercedes. Kieran Jackson explains:
Four-time F1 world champion Verstappen has long been courted by Mercedes boss Toto Wolff and reports in Italian media last week stated that the Dutchman is open to the prospect of joining the Silver Arrows next year. Russell revealed earlier thsi month that Mercedes are in discussions with Verstappen.
Verstappen has a contract at Red Bull until the end of 2028, but various reports have stated that he can activate a release clause if he is lower than fourth in the drivers’ standings by the summer break.
Red Bull's season to forget
11:41 , Flo CliffordThe difficulty of Horner’s position has been compounded by a less than stellar season for Red Bull so far.
Last year’s British GP at Silverstone saw Max Verstappen slip from pole position to fifth, leaving the Dutchman 69 points off the pace of drivers’ championship leader Oscar Piastri in third overall, with Mercedes’ George Russell breathing down his neck 18 points further back.
Red Bull sit fourth in the constructors’ standings, 288 points behind McLaren and 38 points off Mercedes in third.
Martin Brundle ‘quite sad’ about Red Bull sacking ‘friend’ Christian Horner
11:35 , Flo CliffordMartin Brundle admits he is “quite sad” after Christian Horner was sacked by Red Bull on Wednesday morning.
The Red Bull F1 boss was relieved of his duties in a shock announcement, ending his 20-year tenure in charge of the team, and a year on from being embroiled in a scandal involving a female colleague.
Former F1 racer and Sky Sports pundit Brundle gave his immediate reaction to his “friend” Horner being removed from his post.
“It’s completely out of the blue,” Brundle told Sky Sports News. “I’m quite sad about it if I’m honest. I consider Christian a friend. He took it from what was the Stewart team from Jaguar, to a lot of success and a huge trophy cabinet.
“But it’s not been difficult to feel in the F1 paddock and to observe and hear that things were not particularly rosy.”
Brundle also revealed that Horner has not been given a clear reason as to why he has been sacked by Red Bull’s parent company.
“I believe it’s probably performance related as well,” Brundle said, when asked about the reasoning behind the decision. “I think it perhaps makes it more likely that the Verstappens (Max and Jos) will stay there, that became quite personal.
Martin Brundle ‘quite sad’ about Red Bull sacking ‘friend’ Christian Horner
Christian Horner allegations timeline: How sacked Red Bull F1 boss became embroiled in scandal
11:35 , Flo Clifford9 July, 2025 - Horner sacked as Red Bull F1 boss
Somewhat out of the blue, Horner is sacked as boss of Red Bull F1 after a trying start to the 2025 season that has already seen them switch second drivers with no tangible impact and Verstappen performing miracles to keep his car vaguely competitive.
Horner managed the team since its inception in Formula One in 2005, leading them to six constructors’ titles and eight drivers’ crowns, but is replaced as CEO of Red Bull Racing by Laurent Mekies, formerly the team principal at sister team Racing Bulls.
The decision is unrelated to the 2024 allegations but comes amid a power struggle at the team ever since the death of team founder Dietrich Mateschitz in 2022. No official reason is given in the initial statement or to Horner himself.
Christian Horner allegations timeline: How sacked Red Bull F1 boss became embroiled in scandal
11:30 , Flo Clifford7 March, 2024 - Horner demands end to 'intrusion on family'
Speaking ahead of the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix, Horner demands an end to the saga engulfing Red Bull and the world of Formula 1.
At a highly-charged press conference, he states: “The intrusion on my family is enough.” He was speaking at a press conference a matter of hours after the female colleague who raised a complaint of “inappropriate behaviour” against the F1 boss was suspended, on full pay, by Red Bull Racing after an ‘internal probe’.
Yet Horner urged the media to “draw a line” under the current controversy and insisted the intrusion on his wife Geri Halliwell and his family must stop.
8 August, 2024 - Horner cleared for a second time as appeal dismissed
During the F1 summer break, the appeal from a female colleague alleging “inappropriate behaviour” from Horner is dismissed, clearing him for a second time.
The complainant had been suspended on full pay before launching an appeal but, on 8 August, her appeal was thrown out following another investigation by a different independent KC – with Red Bull adding that their “internal process has concluded.”
Speaking ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix a couple of weeks later, Horner admitted his relief. He said: “Obviously, it’s been a hugely thorough process and, of course, I was relieved with the appeal concluding and dismissing the claim. It is a private matter. I’m just relieved that the process [carried out by] the company now has been concluded. Our focus is very much on track.”
Christian Horner allegations timeline: How sacked Red Bull F1 boss became embroiled in scandal
11:24 , Flo CliffordMore from the timeline of how the allegations against Horner played out, and may have made his position untenable at Red Bull. He has consistently denied all allegations.
3 March - Verstappen’s father takes aim at Horner with ‘torn apart’ claim
Red Bull are forced to insist they remain “united” after Max Verstappen’s father, Jos, claimed it is “in danger of being torn apart” if Christian Horner remains in his role.
Speaking to the Daily Mail newspaper following the Bahrain Grand Prix, Verstappen Snr, a former F1 driver, added further fuel to the fire when he said: “There is tension here while he (Horner) remains in position. The team is in danger of being torn apart. It can’t go on the way it is. It will explode. He is playing the victim, when he is the one causing the problems.”
Verstappen Snr, who said he would “explode” if Horner remained in his position, also denied being the source of the leak: “That wouldn’t make sense. Why would I do that when Max is doing so well here?”
A Red Bull Racing spokesperson said: “There are no issues here. The team are united and we are focused on racing.”
Christian Horner allegations timeline: How sacked Red Bull F1 boss became embroiled in scandal
11:18 , Flo CliffordMore from the timeline of how the allegations against Horner played out, and may have made his position untenable at Red Bull. He has consistently denied all allegations.
28 February – Horner cleared of all charges
A statement from Red Bull GmbH read: “The independent investigation into the allegations made against Mr Horner is complete, and Red Bull can confirm that the grievance has been dismissed.
“The complainant has a right of appeal.
“Red Bull is confident that the investigation has been fair, rigorous and impartial.
“The investigation report is confidential and contains the private information of the parties and third parties who assisted in the investigation, and therefore we will not be commenting further out of respect for all concerned. Red Bull will continue striving to meet the highest workplace standards.”
29 February - Horner returns to F1 paddock
Horner broke his silence after returning to the F1 grid for the start of the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix and said he was “pleased” the investigation into alleged “inappropriate behaviour” was over.
“I obviously can’t comment about it,” Horner told Sky Sports News. “[I’m] here and very much focused now on the grand prix, the season ahead and trying to defend both of our titles.
“I can’t give you any further comment, the process has been conducted and concluded. I’m pleased to be here in Bahrain and focused on the season ahead.
“Within the team it’s [unity has] never been stronger.”
29 February - Horner responds after WhatsApps leaked
Just 24 hours after he was cleared, WhatsApp texts and pictures were leaked from an anonymous source – to FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali, the sport’s nine other team principals and members of the media – allegedly showing conversations between Horner and the complainant involved in the initial investigation.
The Independent saw the leaked material but was unable to verify the authenticity of the content, while it was unclear whether the alleged exchanges formed part of the investigation or if it was new evidence.
Horner responded with a short statement: “I won’t comment on anonymous speculation, but to reiterate, I have always denied the allegations. I respected the integrity of the independent investigation and fully cooperated with it every step of the way.
“It was a thorough and fair investigation conducted by an independent specialist barrister and it has concluded, dismissing the complaint made. I remain fully focused on the start of the season.”
Christian Horner allegations timeline: How sacked Red Bull F1 boss became embroiled in scandal
11:12 , Flo CliffordMore from the timeline of how the allegations against Horner played out, and may have made his position untenable at Red Bull. He has consistently denied all allegations.
26 February – Engine partner Ford criticises Red Bull
Ford Motor Co, which will partner with Red Bull in 2026 to form Red Bull-Ford Powertrains, reveals it is unhappy with the nature of the investigation, as well as Red Bull’s lack of response to a request for further information on 14 February.
In a letter, Ford CEO Jim Farley says the American automotive giant is “increasingly frustrated by the lack of resolution or clear indication from you about when you anticipate a fair and just resolution of this matter”.
He adds: “As we have indicated previously, without satisfactory response, Ford’s values are non-negotiable. It is imperative that our racing partners share and demonstrate a genuine commitment to those same values. My team and I are available at any time to discuss this matter. We remain insistent on, and hopeful for, a resolution we can all stand behind.
“We are likewise frustrated by the lack of full transparency surrounding this matter with us, your corporate partners, and look forward to receiving a complete account of all findings.”
More from Martin Brundle on Horner exit
11:07 , Alex PattleOn Red Bull’s future:
“The people they’re putting in place have a lot of experience in Formula 1. The maverick team boss, that era is moving away; it’s more a collection of specialists rather than one team talisman if you like.
“There’s momentum, they have well over 1,000 people. The team are not going to fall over immediately, they have structures in place. This all goes back to Dietrich Mateschitz dying – the originator, the 49 per cent owner of Red Bull, with that Yoovidhya family. He was in charge, nothing happened without Dietrich Mateschitz signing that off.
“He was the absolute leader of that group and since his death and other structures coming in, you can see where it all started to go wrong, frankly.”
On Mekies replacing Horner, at least for now:
“A lot of experience, at teams and the FIA. We see it more, with Andrea Stella at McLaren and James Vowles at Williams: people with a technical background in massive organisations now.
“Laurent has done a massive job at Racing Bulls, James Vowles would have fancied that job big time, but he has gone to Sauber, Audi.”
More from Martin Brundle, on Verstappen’s future
10:56 , Alex Pattle“Nothing’s forever, things move on. They’ve very quickly put into place… solutions.”
On Max Verstappen’s future:
“It remains to be seen. Every point that Max has through his own genius driving is in a Red Bull car. They’re debuting their own engine for the first time next year, which is going to be the biggest change in Formula 1 history.
“Questions for their seat and driving, that aspect of the team... We know that Max has an exit clause based on where he is in the world championship at the end of this month.
“I can only surmise it means it’s more likely he stays at this moment.”
Martin Brundle reacts to ‘friend’ Horner’s sacking
10:53 , Alex PattleFormer F1 driver and current commentator Martin Brundle has told Sky Sports:
“It is not completely out of the blue, given the problems in the team. I’m quite sad about it. I consider Christian a friend and he’s done an incredible job for 20 years,” Brundle said on Sky Sports.
“He’s won an awful lot of races and World Championships for driver and the team. He took it from what was the Stewart team and Jaguar, into a massive campus in Milton Keynes and an awful lot of success and a huge trophy cabinet.
“It’s not too difficult to feel in the F1 paddock and to observe and hear that things were not particularly rosy.”
On a potential power struggle:
“I think that’s part of it, I believe it’s probably performance related as well. I think it perhaps make it more likely that the Verstappens will stay there, that became quite personal.
“There are a number of aspects. But the car is struggling, but they’ve won races brilliantly this year.
“I’m due to speak to Christian later in the day, I said can I have a chat? And he wasn’t able to do that. No reason was given to him as to why he’s been released. That’s the only hard info on that.”
Read Red Bull’s statement on Horner departure
10:40 , Alex PattleRed Bull CEO of Corporate Projects and Investments, Oliver Mintzlaff, said in a statement:
“We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years.
“With his tireless commitment, experience, expertise and innovative thinking, he has been instrumental in establishing Red Bull Racing as one of the most successful and attractive teams in Formula 1.
“Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history.”
Christian Horner allegations timeline: How sacked Red Bull F1 boss became embroiled in scandal
10:38 , Alex PattleHere is a timeline of how the allegations against Horner last year played out.
5 February – colleague’s allegations surface
A report from Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf states a Red Bull employee has made serious allegations about team principal Christian Horner to the team’s parent company, Red Bull GmbH.
A separate report in The Times says the complaint came from a female colleague and concerns “inappropriate, controlling behaviour”. The allegations are treated seriously by Red Bull chief executive Oliver Mintzlaff.
Horner, 50, who has been Red Bull team principal since 2005, remains in his role during the investigation and strongly denies the accusation.
9 February – Horner meets lawyer
Horner meets with the lawyer in charge of the investigation in a nine-hour meeting at a secret location, as the externally appointed barrister begins to dig into the case on behalf of Red Bull GmbH.
“After being made aware of certain recent allegations, the company launched an independent investigation,” the organisation says in a statement. “This process, which is already under way, is being carried out by an external specialist barrister. The company takes these matters extremely seriously and the investigation will be completed as soon as practically possible.
“It would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.”
Full timeline below:
Horner allegations timeline: How sacked Red Bull F1 boss became embroiled in scandal
Christian Horner sacked by Red Bull - latest updates
10:34 , Alex PattleChristian Horner has been fired as Red Bull’s Formula One team principal this morning.
The Red Bull chief had led the team since its inception in 2005, guiding them to six constructors’ titles and eight drivers’ championships. However, just one year after a personal scandal involving alleged “inappropriate behaviour” with a female colleague – an accusation Horner was cleared of twice – the 51-year-old lost his job on Wednesday morning.
Horner, who is married to Spice Girl pop star Geri Halliwell, has been replaced by Laurent Mekies as CEO of Red Bull Racing. Mekies was previously the team principal at sister team Racing Bulls.
Red Bull CEO of Corporate Projects and Investments, Oliver Mintzlaff, said in a statement: “We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years. With his tireless commitment, experience, expertise and innovative thinking, he has been instrumental in establishing Red Bull Racing as one of the most successful and attractive teams in Formula 1. Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history.”
Red Bull endured a race to forget at the British Grand Prix on Sunday, and the team are now a distant fourth in the constructors’ standings, but this announcement still comes as a shock to the team at Milton Keynes and the whole F1 paddock. Horner was the longest-serving team boss in F1 and guided Red Bull to 124 grand prix victories during his time in charge.
Both Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen claimed four drivers’ championships under his guidance. Yet Horner’s career and personal life were rocked by last year’s scandal involving a female colleague, including the revelation of WhatsApp messages allegedly between Horner and the colleague in question.
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